A responsible game plan

editorial cartoon by Yasuyuki Nagasawa
editorial cartoon by Yasuyuki Nagasawa

If some students on campus wanted to play a game of pool, they would go to the Student Center desk. In exchange for a school identification card, they would receive a couple of aluminum pool sticks and possibly an incomplete set of balls. Maybe the absence of chalk would not be the greatest setback, but picking up balls from the floor—as they fly from the worn pockets—would be a drag.

An outsider might be easily fooled by the three pool tables, two ping pong tables, a foose ball table and video games that are in the Student Center. They might think a real fun center exists inside the Supertents. Insiders, though, know all of the equipment there does not work. Sure, a little wear-and-tear can be expected of things that are frequently used by a large number of people. However, the condition of the Student Center equipment has to be the result of more than that.

An easy solution to the “pool problem” would be to buy more equipment for students to use. Quality equipment would be a start. According to Becky Martinez, student activities assistant, high quality equipment is not a current option, due to a small budget and high costs. However, ping pong balls are replaced as soon as they are broken. Also, the one functioning pool table in the Student Center will be inspected this week to see if the damages can be repaired. If not, a new table may be purchased.

Students already abuse the tattered pool tables that exist now. They sit on them and lay food and drinks on them. Would they treat a new set of equipment any better? Probably not.

Ruby Cordova, associate dean of student life, feels that students are not to blame for the condition of the Student Center equipment. The Campus Times disagrees. Some students on campus fail to realize the importance of respecting property that does not belong to them. They guard their cars and stereos with their lives, but when the things belong to someone else, it is no longer important to handle them with care.

The Student Center staff might want to consider enforcing stricter rules with the equipment that is there. Students who bring back equipment that is damaged should be fined in order to fix or replace the items. The equipment was not always as broken-down as it is now. It is the obvious result of age, as well as disrespect from students.

It is about time to see some new equipment at the Student Center. This time around, though, it should be closely monitored. It might seem like a childish way of solving the problem, but a lot of childish behavior occurs when university students play together.

Not everyone is disrespectful to the Student Center property. Those who really want to play and have a good time should not be denied that opportunity just because a few people don’t know how to play by the rules and don’t take pride in the equipment provided for them.

Other Stories

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Latest Stories

Related articles

Supertents celebrate 50th anniversary

The University of La Verne is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Supertents this year.

Stanton-Riggs inspires community through personal stories

Lynn Stanton-Riggs, associate provost and professor of education emerita, emphasized the importance of gratitude and vulnerability as she reflected on her career upon entering its newest phase – retirement – during her “Last Lecture,” for the faculty lecture series Tuesday on WebEx.

Administrators address student concerns, from financial aid to health and virtual graduation tributes

The Associated Students of the University of La Verne held a virtual Town Hall Wednesday night featuring numerous University officials to address student concerns pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, the current status of online education, and the upcoming academic school year.

University, students consider graduation options amid campus shutdown

The fate of the spring 2020 commencement ceremony is still to be announced as of  this week.